Keelung MRT Route Plan Called 'Fantasy' by City Councilor

A debate is intensifying over the proposed second-phase route for the Keelung MRT, with Keelung City Councilor Tong Tzu-wei sharply criticizing the city government's plan. Tong, a candidate for mayor, dismisses the government's proposed route through the Anle district as "a fantasy" ("天方夜譚"), arguing it is impractical and overlooks significant hurdles like environmental impact assessments, demolition, and urban renewal. He contends that such a plan would be excessively time-consuming and complex, likening it to playing a video game rather than addressing real-world urban development needs. Instead, Tong champions a dual-track approach: one utilizing the existing railway corridor to enter the city center, and another separate line serving the Anle district, though not extending directly into the city center. From a Taiwanese perspective, infrastructure projects like the Keelung MRT are critical for regional development and connectivity. The differing proposals highlight a common tension in urban planning: balancing ambitious visions with practical execution. Tong's emphasis on the railway corridor aligns with a pragmatic approach often favored in Taiwan, leveraging existing infrastructure where possible. The city government, however, insists its Anle route is the most viable, citing engineering feasibility and the use of public land. This public disagreement underscores the political dynamics at play, with candidates vying to present the most credible and beneficial plans for Keelung's future.

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the city government's plan is 'a fantasy'.